I get dozens of emails about repairing pens that I have not made. I make wood pens. I can't repair your old Parker Duofold or Waterman, etc. I recommend Fountain Pen Hospital in New York City, www.fountainpenhospital.com
If your wood pen that I made is not working, email me at handcraftedhardwoods.com and we will try to figure out the problem by email. We can determine if you can fix it yourself or if you have to mail it to me. There is never a charge for pen repair.
Mailing: If you have to mail your pen, put it in a padded envelope and put 99 cents postage on it (three stamps). It is not necessary to insure the pen, but you can if you want to. I do not return pen insured but I do use delivery confirmation..
Some common repairs are listed below:
Cross Pen Clip
If you have broken your pocket clip, you have to mail the pen to me for replacement. If the clip is loose, then tap the top on something solid like a wood table, and the clip will tighten.
Parker Pen threads stripped
You have to mail it to me for repair. This usually happens if you turn the pen top too far to the right. Turn the top left to open the pen.
Parker point not retracting
You can take out the spring and stretch it about 1/2".
Rollerball doesn't extend
You have probably lost the little spring that fits into the upper end of the bottom of the pen. I can mail you a spring.
Scratchy Fountain pen
You can smooth your pen nib by writing on #1200 grit wet or dry paper. I try to make sure all nibs are as smooth as possible when you buy one, but sometimes you can improve this.
Parker Pen not taking new refills
For some reason, Parker Gel and Ball refills made since mid 2005 are slightly bigger than before. I discovered this in June 2005 and have been making the holes in the tips of my Parker-style pens slightly bigger, and including the new Gel refills with the pens, so I know they fit. If you have one of my older Parker pens and have trouble with the newer refills, you will either have to make the hole in the tip bigger yourself with a file or icepick, or send me the pen and I will enlarge the hole for you. It doesn't take very much enlargement. You might be able to make it bigger by gently forcing the new refill into the tip.
Parker Pen point not coming out far enough
You can fold up a piece of paper about 3/8" square and put it above the cartridge, inside the top. The point will come out further.
"Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I received my pen and I wanted to thank you again for repairing it!!!
It's like a brand new one!! " Sincerely, Jacki L.
"I've been delighted with your pen. On one of my next trips up to Mill Valley I'd like to stop by and purchase 10 pens, or more, for some of the people that work for me." Greg LeVille
"I love my pen. I use it for special signings (I'm a Realtor) and my partner and I are getting together some mailings and gift items so I'll discuss perhaps working in the pens as a gift or something." Leslie Conte
